Microsoft Adds New Blockchain Services to Software Sandbox

Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform is set to integrate several new industry services when it formally launches its blockchain-as-a-service marketplace option next year.

Eris Industries, Factom and CoinPrism have partnered with Microsoft, according to a 15th December blog post. The platform had previously announced support for Ethereum and has been looking into integrating Ripple’s Interledger protocol.

The move comes amid increasing demand from incumbent financial institutions for products and services that allow them to explore the growing number of blockchain offerings and services.

As a result, industry services included are viewing their selection as validation that they have emerged as leaders in what has to date been a crowded market.

Eris chief operation officer Preston Byrne told CoinDesk:

“We’re delighted to be joining the Azure BaaS platform, and are pleased to see we’re in good company with projects like OpenChain and others. 2016 is going to be a great year.”

Factom president and CEO Peter Kirby remarked that Microsoft is “aggressively exploring how blockchain as a service (BaaS) tools fit into their ecosystem of products”.

“Factom was excited when Microsoft approached us to participate in the Azure platform. Integration was simple and seamless, and in Q1 2016 anyone can install Factom as part of their cloud offering,” he said.

Representatives for CoinPrism and Microsoft Azure did not immediately respond to requests for comment.